Goldie - Timeless (Live with Heritage Orchestra)

Last Saturday I was at the Royal Festival for the live re-creation of Goldie's 1995 album "Timeless", in conjunction with the Heritage Orchestra. It was part of the Meltdown festival at the Southbank Centre, as curated by James Lavelle of Mo'Wax fame.

     The first thing thing I have got to say is that it was mind-blowing! Timeless itself is one of those albums that still sounds so fresh, even as it approaches its 20th anniversary. I mean if Inner City Life is dropped at a drum and bass rave it will still provoke a massive reaction. However to feel the power of the song re-created by a 3-man drum team (a main drummer, secondary drummer and a percussionist), an awesome vocalist, live instrumentation and an orchestra is something that I feel so privileged I was able to see in a live environment. This video is of surprisingly good quality, posted on YouTube by Miriam McGinty-Lowe, and lasts for 20 minutes. I am glad this is the clip posted, because this felt like the first moment the crowd lost themselves in the music, rather than be overwhelmed by the awesome sound and spectacle of the night. It was also the first time that Goldie came on-stage and when he did it added an extra dimension, because it truly felt as if he felt he just had to be right in the midst of the sound he had created. The joy and energy that he felt as he moved around on-stage was a sight to behold! So, check out the video and bring out the amazingness that is Goldie's album Timeless again!

Rudimental ft. Ella Eyre - Waiting All Night (Radio 1 Live Lounge)

It's great that Radio 1 still have the Live Lounge. I remember when Jo Whiley was the presenter and I really enjoyed listening to her because I loved the enthusiasm and knowledge she showed about music. I was also at university and her 10am-1pm show often coincided with me waking up! When she left the show and Fearne Cotton took over it really worried me that this special part of the show would end. Luckily it hasn't.

So here's Rudimental with what is more of a PA than a live performance. I remember last time they were live on Radio 1 they had a drummer. (Brrr. What happened to that boy?)

But anyway, the songs that Rudimental have come out with so far have been excellent. Ella Eyre has a really great voice, which goes from sultry to powerful through the verse to chorus. There hasn't really been an act like this since Roni Size and Reprazent. It also feels like an antidote to the Eurosynth dance that has gotten a bit played out. I am sure this will be a big hit. It has the catchy big chorused ingredients that go into making a song a major hit.

Metrik feat. Reija Lee - Freefall

This track feels like a late autumn type of D&B track. Maybe it's in the title? The freefalling of leaves as we approach the onset of winter, yet it is still warm out and it doesn't get dark until 7pm, so you still feel optimistic. Well that's how I feel anyway. Especially when listening to this track.

Villem - Shimmer EP

This is the latest release from the Med School branch of Hospitality Records, Med School. Liquid D&B is always something I have enjoyed. With this EP what I particularly enjoy is the synth/SFX combination. It feels beautifully soothing, particularly as I hear this on a Sunday afternoon. From the EP my favourite track is Poly. I love the understated, insistent, yet funky bass-line. Hospitality will be hosting their fifth event at Brixton this Friday 28th September. Hopefully I will be going. Love Brixton Academy!

Sub Focus (ft Alpines) - Tidal Wave (Kill Sonik remix)

The new album from Sub Focus is due to be released soon. Hopefully this will propel him up another level, to Chase & Status type of success. I am enjoying the radio version of Tidal Wave and the Kill Sonik drumstep remix. What I like particularly about the remix is that it has maintained the dreamy nature of the original, and keeps a beat that suits the high floating vocals of Alpines.

DJ Wizbit - Capacitor (Bustin and Skampy remix)

Drum and Bass was the first genre of music I truly fell in love with. I loved the Jungle Mania series of tapes. Love the mix of rave type piano combined with manic breakbeats. It's got that summer sound. It's gonna be a great London summer.

Roni Size - Jools Holland